MORE than 1,000 fleets spending up to £60 million could take advantage of a new initiative by the Energy Saving Trust which is offering funding to businesses and local authorities interested in using alternatively fuelled vehicles.

The Trust's Powershift initiative calls on companies and councils to join forces to increase buying power by placing joint orders for vehicles powered by cleaner fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas or electricity. In return the Trust will pay up to 50% of the cost of converting vehicles or of the difference in price between the alternatively fuelled vehicles and the petrol or diesel equivalents.

The three-year programme funded by the Department of Environment comes as the Department calls on vehicle operators to take steps to reduce pollution in its new report 'The United Kingdom National Air Quality Strategy'.

Applicants will be selected by a committee, chaired by the Trust, and partnerships formed between organisations interested in buying specific types of vehicles. Manufacturers will then be invited to compete for the tender. The Trust is inviting major vehicle operators to regional workshops over the coming months to explain the benefits of becoming involved. More details are available by calling 0345 277200.